Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX is an unashamedly ruthless platformer. Originally on the Master System, it follows the title character in a quest to punch scorpions and die from being bad at rock-paper-scissors. There’s more to it than that, but you’d be forgiven for never knowing that because this game is the bad kind of challenging. With slippery controls, big enemy hitboxes, and a tiny, tiny attack, you’re going to likely spend most of your time repeating the same few levels and seeing your ghost floating out of your body.
R-Type Final 2 is a satisfying shmup with many challenging, carefully crafted stages. Having so many different ships gives it a ton of replay value, and also gives you many strategic options for how you tackle a given area. I wish it had a more striking, clear visual style so I could appreciate the designs and stages more (and die less to dopey things).
Root Film takes players on a lovely tour of the Shimane Prefecture, giving them a glimpse of historical places, customs, and characters as they work to solve grisly mysteries. Unfortunately, the journey is the only compelling thing about this weak visual novel, as its story is somehow told too quickly and the game is filled with things that waste the player’s time. It’s far too drawn-out, yet somehow too short at the same time.
Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection is a crushingly-difficult game, so if you’re looking to be brutalized, it is excellent at it. It features a handful of tools to help less-masochistic players through as well, making for a great package whether you just want to see the sights or emerge victorious from a game that feels like spite given form.
Capcom Arcade Stadium is a staggeringly good port of many solid games, breathing new life into them with unique challenges and through a robust suite of difficulty options.
Tell Me Why's exploration of the complexities of memory, the difficulties of knowing our loved ones, and a world that can be better for our transgender loved ones make it a game worth experiencing.
When you want to feel like a powerful mech rider carving through massive demons, Panzer Paladin just can't be beat.
Final Fantasy VII Remake does the impossible, somehow allowing me to relive one of the biggest gaming moments of my childhood as if it were new.
If you want to be a troublemaking, superpowered criminal with little resistance, Saints Row IV: Re-Elected is unparalleled in what it gives you.
You might come to Double Dragon & Kunio-kun: Retro Brawler Bundle for Double Dragon and River City Ransom, but you'll likely stay for the sheer variety of mayhem and play experiences that it has to offer.
Rune Factory 4 Special feels like a game where you always have something to do, offering so many different systems to play around with
Corpse Party 2: Dead Patient is a return to the sound, language, and character connections that made the original so compelling and disturbing.
Death Stranding's attention to the real may make it difficult to enjoy, but it is undeniably an experience that will both scourge and soothe the heart.
The Ninja Saviors – Return of the Warriors' highly-aggressive play style makes all other beat 'em ups seem slow by comparison.
HORGIHUGH is a cute, approachable shmup with a loveable hero and some handy weaponry.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is everything that was great about Igarashi's Metroidvania titles all rolled into one, and feels like it will be as timeless a game as Symphony of the Night.
When Trover Saves the Universe is funny, it's VERY funny, but its humor is just not enough to carry such an average, unspectacular game.
Castlevania Anniversary Collection is a vital collection of the games that made action and horror the genres they are today.
Layers of Fear 2 is striking in its unsettling places, but is a looser experience than its predecessor, losing the player with busywork puzzles and winding corridors.
World End Syndrome offers a gripping mystery about undead and lost folklores, yet also a touching story about the hidden trials of those who suffer in silence.